Beloved Elvis Chair Lost In Parade Chaos Returned

WAUKESHA, WI— A treasured Elvis-themed chair that was lost during the Waukesha Christmas Parade on Nov.21 when authorities say a man drove into marchers and spectators, has been returned. Six people died as a result and more than 60 were injured.

The chair once belonged to David Wagner, a longtime Waukesha resident who was a familiar, friendly face around town, said Donna Hogan, his twin sister and caregiver.

Hogan posted on Facebook about the chair going missing and received an outpouring of support.

"It was such a tragic event and this is a material thing. But I wouldn't do it if it didn't mean so much," Hogan said.

A person messaged Hogan after hearing about the Patch story about the missing chair. The person found the chair in a pile after the parade and had taken it but after hearing about the story, they had a change of heart.

“The person’s friend saw the story and that’s why it got returned,” Hogan told Patch.

Hogan said people have been saying her late brother is looking down on everyone.

“He [David Wagner] loved that chair and Elvis. I’m just glad it is back,” she said.

Hogan said her brother loved Waukesha and people. Wagner, who had down syndrome, would walk around the city and say hi to everyone. He was also a huge Elvis fan.

The chair had been borrowed by Brayden Kading, 9, for the parade. Kading is Wagner’s nephew and family members said he was especially close with his late great-uncle.

Brayden’s mother, Alexandra Brauch attended the Waukesha Christmas Parade on Nov.21 with her two children.

Brauch said she grabbed her kids when the scene turned deadly and when the family returned to where they sat during the parade, the chair wasn’t there. When the city allowed the public to gather their belongings a day later, the chair wasn't there.

Wagner, 57, died in December from COVID-19. He received the Elvis themed camping chair as a gift years ago. The chair was even displayed next to his picture at his memorial service.

"It was one of the last few things that reminded him of David [his great-uncle]," Brauch said.